> Isn't that exactly what JL and PG have made a career doing?
Yes, YC was modeled on the help PG received from his friend Julian Weber in creating Viaweb. Weber gave him money, advice, and introductions to other rich people that invested more money. PG wasn't merely determined, he was also helped by powerful people. Without that help it's likely there would not be a YC. No YC, no Airbnb.
YC's very reason for existing is probably its most powerful advice and should be considered implicit with all their other advice: you need help.
Are you saying PG/YC is in the business of being charitable? I think that behavior only emerges when the average payout is larger than what they put in..
How do you explain YC investing in Non-profits like Watsi? There is more to YC than the payout. There is definitely a core goal to help good people build better products. Money just usually follows.
I don't follow. A donation is a net loss even after the tax deduction. There is no profit from funding a non-profit, even if you can take a tax write off.
If you want to be cynical, good PR would be a much better explanation than something involving taxes.
Isn't that exactly what JL and PG have made a career doing?